Get Smart With Your SmartPhone

If you’re texting, calling, emailing, reading the news, plus playing games, swiping left and right on romantic possibilities, taking photos, ordering dinner, and using apps that run your life from your SmartPhone, you might be getting sorwho e. No, not just from the annoying News and Calendar Alerts that flit across the screen. The tendons and joints in your wrists, fingers, and thumbs that are working in overdrive might actually be wearing down, putting you at risk for hand injuries and wrist injuries.

According to Pew Research Center, more than 75% of adults in the United States own a SmartPhone; 92% of those aged 18 to 29 say they have one. There’s not a lot of variability in the types of movements we make when using our phones. Considering that some studies estimate we now spend up to 5 hours a day using our SmartPhones, that’s an awful lot of grasping, tapping, pressing, and swiping — particularly with your dominant hand. Repetitive movements are at the root of a lot of arm, hand, wrist, and finger pain — everything from carpal tunnel syndrome to arthritis.

So, if you’re not smart with your SmartPhone, what kinds of conditions might you develop?

Common SmartPhone-related Conditions

Tendinitis

The thumb is probably the likeliest digit to tire first because it’s used for so many SmartPhone activities, from activating the security feature to scrolling through politician’s and comedian’s Twitter posts.

You may have tendinitis in your thumb or fingers if you notice symptoms such as:

• Tingling
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Numbness

While you might feel tempted to “soldier” through your hand and wrist pain and “Like” all your friends’ Facebook posts to show solidarity, untreated tendinitis can lead to more serious conditions.

The first step is to give your aching thumbs and fingers a REST:

• Alter your finger pattern when texting
• Use your voice-control function
• Switch your phone to your other hand

You can also add in the other components of the “RICE” protocol: Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation.

If you don’t feel any relief of your symptoms after a day or two, check in with a hand and wrist surgeon for an evaluation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A June 2017 study from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University suggests that a 5+ hour a day SmartPhone habit might actually damage the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand through a bony structure called the carpal tunnel. The median nerve is responsible for conveying sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger. When the fingers, thumb, and wrist engage in repetitive motions, over time, it may cause irritation and inflammation of the ligaments and tendons that run through the carpal tunnel alongside the median nerve. The inflamed tissues press against the nerve, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the hands, fingers, thumbs, and wrist.

This study followed 48 students aged 18 to 25 and found that texting had adverse effects on the fingers, thumbs, hands, and wrists that suggested the median nerve had been compromised. Symptoms included pain, tingling, and numbness.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent damage to the median nerve within weeks. This could permanently impair the hand’s function and/or require surgery. If you suspect you may be developing carpal tunnel syndrome, see a hand specialist as soon as possible.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder of the joints that has many causal components, including genetics. However, repetitive stress due to overuse of a joint can exacerbate its effects. The tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint can also be affected.

If you feel pain, numbness or tingling in your wrist, fingers, hands, or thumbs, and have a history or family history of arthritis, schedule a consultation with a hand and wrist specialist to be sure everything’s in working order.

Live Smart

In most cases, SmartPhone use won’t lead to repetitive stress injuries, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, or to disorders such as arthritis. But if you notice that your fingers and hands are starting to tire, pay attention. Take frequent breaks throughout the day. Stretch your hands, wrists, and fingers to stimulate circulation and keep your tendons, joints, and ligaments flexible and strong. Use the RICE protocol if you notice any pain, tingling, or numbness.

At the first sign of trouble, schedule a consultation with the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute. We can diagnose and treat you in the same center on the same day. Find us at 8841 E. Bell Rd. St #201, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, call us or contact us via email form. We’re open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

The post Get Smart With Your SmartPhone appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

Don’t Get “Ganked” By Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

Whether you’re a gamer killing enemies with your mouse or a full-time office worker, you spend hours at your computer on a daily basis.

But repetitive motions can permanently injure your wrist, hand, thumb, and fingers. If you don’t pay attention to the first tell-tale symptoms, you may end up with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), which can only be resolved through surgery. Other keyboard or game-related injuries include “Gamer’s Thumb” and WASD (i.e., keyboard strokes) wrist.

No matter what you’re up to, if you’re on a computer or gaming console for hours every day, you may be at risk for CTS or other hand and wrist injuries.

WTH Is CTS?

CTS refers to carpal tunnel syndrome, an impingement of an essential nerve called the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the thumb. The median nerve controls sensation and some movement in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger.

The median nerve is encased by the carpal tunnel, a narrow tube that runs through the wrist from the forearm to the palm. The carpal tunnel is surrounded by carpal bones on the back and sides of the hand and by the transversal carpal ligament on the palm side of the hand.

When the tendons and other tissues in the carpal tunnel become inflamed, they press on the median nerve, blocking the signals that it transmits to the hand, limiting motion and causing pain. In a situation like that, you’ve got carpal tunnel syndrome.

Can CTS Keep Me AFK?

Yes! If untreated, CTS may keep you “Away From the Keyboard” permanently. The good news is that if you notice symptoms soon enough, you can be treated by a hand and wrist surgeon. At The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute, if it is determined that you need carpal tunnel release surgery, you can even undergo an innovative, minimally invasive CTS procedure called EndoTech® that uses miniature cameras and surgical tools (cool!).

Be sure to find a hand and wrist surgeon to evaluate you if you notice the following symptoms in a hand, wrist, finger or thumb:

• Tingling
• Pain
• Numbness
• Stiffness
• Loss of motion
• Needing to “shake out your hands”

If you’re like a lot of people, you probably sleep with your wrists bent, which can put pressure on the median nerve. Therefore, you might first notice symptoms at night or when you first awaken. Needing to shake out your hands or wrists in the morning is one sign that you may have carpal tunnel syndrome . As time passes, symptoms may appear in the daytime. If untreated, they could begin to worsen.

How Can I Prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

If you are beginning to feel the symptoms of CTS, or if you want to prevent them from occurring, you can make adjustments to your gaming system, PC or laptop as well as your movements that will keep your median nerve healthy and functioning:

Get an ergonomic mouse. Almost 50% of professional gamers use an ergonomic gaming mouse. This mouse keeps your wrist straight and your hand in a natural prone, unflexed and untwisted position. You can apply those same principals to other controllers you use or buy ergonomic gaming controllers. While ergonomic mice and controllers may seem like a luxury, if you want to avoid CTS, they’re a necessity. An old mouse, wrong-sized mouse or a mouse that forces you to grip with force may be less expensive in the short run, but could cost you your wrist function in the long run. As a bonus, a wrist-friendly ergonomic mouse may also increase your accuracy.

Get an ergonomic keyboard. Old or poorly designed keyboards require more pressure and can contribute to repetitive force injuries.

Stop grinding and strafing. If you constantly fire with your thumb, over time the repetition can cause swelling that will impinge on the median nerve. The same situation can occur with other fingers as well. Vary your fingering pattern to avoid stressing the same fingers over and over. An ergonomic mouse should help you stop the repetitive sideways motions associated with strafing.

Take hourly wrist breaks. You won’t be able to go to the next level if your wrist stops working. Take short breaks now so you can extend your playing time indefinitely. Our Scottsdale hand specialists can provide lots of effective wrist, finger, hand and thumb exercises and stretches. Be sure your breaks last at least 5 to 10 minutes.

Sit pretty. Correct posture will help alleviate pressure on your wrist:

• Keep your knees at 90 degrees
• Keep your back at 90-135 degrees
• Vary the angle of your back and legs from time to time
• Keep your head above your spine
• Take a back and leg break every hour (flex your wrists then, too)
• Get a posture-correcting cushion
• Rest your arms on a desk or arm rests

Keep your hands warm. On your breaks, you can soak your hands in warm water. You can wear finger-less gloves (make them yourself!) or purchase copper-infused compression gloves.

What Else Contributes to CTS?

As much as you may wish you could spend your whole life playing games, you probably have to engage in other activities, too — such as making a living. Any kind of repetitive motion by the hand, wrist, fingers and thumb can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A number of occupations that require applying pressure with your hands and/or repetitive motions can make you extra susceptible to median-nerve impingement. Learn more about pinched nerve symptoms at MayoClinic.org.

Be extra careful with your gaming hands if you’re involved in the following jobs or activities:

• Farm work
• Fishing
• Meat and poultry processing
• Factory work
• Gardening
• Painting
• Mechanic
• Musician
• Cashier
• Receipt processor
• Homemaker
• Tailor
• Garment worker
• Janitor
• Locksmith
• Electronics worker

Still in Pain?

If you’re already in pain or if you’ve made the recommended changes and still notice tingling or discomfort in your hands, thumbs, fingers or wrists, it’s time to consult a hand and wrist surgeon.

At the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute, we can diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand and wrist conditions on site with our own ultrasound and x-ray machines. If necessary, you can be treated the same day too.

Unlike traditional endoscopic tunnel release surgery, which has a weeks-long recovery period, the revolutionary EndoTech® procedure, invented by Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice, uses one tiny incision and precisely engineered operating and visualization tools to minimize trauma to the hand. You’ll be back on your keyboard in a few days.

If you suspect you might have the beginnings of CTS or are in need of treatment, you can find us at 8841 E. Bell Rd. St #201 Scottsdale, AZ 85260. You can also call us at (480) 351-6483 or contact us via this email form. We’re open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Next, read Debunking Myths About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Debunking Myths About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an extremely painful and debilitating condition in which the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm through a canal called the carpal tunnel in the wrist is compressed. The carpal tunnel is a hollow, bony tube that connects the wrist to the hand and encases not just the median nerve but numerous tendons and ligaments. When these tissues become inflamed, they impinge upon the median nerve, preventing it from sending signals to the palm, thumb, and fingers. Inflammation also decreases the flow of blood to the median nerve; if not corrected, permanent nerve damage may result.

The most common symptoms of CTS include tingling, numbness, a burning sensation, impaired motion, swelling, cramps, weakness, aches, and shooting pains. If CTS is not diagnosed and treated by a hand and wrist surgeon, such as Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice of the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Scottsdale, the protective insulators around the median nerve and other nerves may be worn down within a matter of weeks, leading to permanent damage.

Every year, approximately 1% of the general American population and 5% of the working population that uses repetitive hand or arm motions are affected by CTS.

But did you know that most of what you thought you knew about CTS is probably wrong?

Common Misconceptions About CTS

Myth #1: Typing causes carpal tunnel syndrome

While it was the advent of the personal computer that brought carpal tunnel syndrome to the forefront of public awareness way back in the 1980s, typing doesn’t seem to actually cause much CTS. Only about 10% of workers who use a keyboard and/or mouse repetitively complain of CTS-like symptoms, and many of them do not actually have CTS. Even accounting for those who do have CTS, the incidence is still much less among office workers than in professions that require more physical labor.

Myth #2: Only people who work in a factory all day get CTS

Workers in industries that require repetitive tugging, pressing, pulling, pushing or stamping are at a high risk for CTS, however, there are other professions that also have a high incidence.

You might expect that the following workers would be at risk for CTS:

• Meat packers
• Welders
• Construction workers
• Automotive workers

But the following professions also use repetitive motions that can impinge on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel:

• Cooks
• Correctional officers
• Drivers
• Carpenters
• Maids and janitors
• Painters
• Highway maintenance workers
• Electrical power workers
• Musicians

In fact, musicians have a very high risk for CTS; up to 20% of professional musicians suffer from CTS or other nerve disorders in their hands and wrists.

Myth #3: If your hand hurts or tingles, you have carpal tunnel syndrome

There are many conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to those of CTS:

• Ulnar tunnel syndrome
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
• Trigger finger or snapping finger
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome

Only a medical diagnosis can determine if you have CTS and if you would benefit from endoscopic carpal tunnel treatment.

Myth #4: CTS only affects the wrists

While you may feel weakness or pain in your wrist when you have CTS, the median nerve also affects sensation in the arm, palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger. Any of these can develop weakness, pain, tingling, numbness or other signs of CTS.

Myth #5: Carpal tunnel surgery requires large incisions and a long recovery period

Traditional open surgery for CTS requires long, deep incisions and a 6- to 8-week recovery period. Those who wanted to avoid surgery might undergo a series of treatments with anti-inflammatory drugs, splints, steroids, and physical therapy. Unfortunately, these often usually fail and they can actually worsen nerve damage. If pressure on the median nerve is not alleviated, permanent damage can occur in as little as two months. Learn about open carpal tunnel surgery at WebMD.com.

Quick Relief for CTS with Minimally-Invasive Hand Surgery

In order to more effectively treat those with CTS, the innovative hand surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Fitzmaurice developed the revolutionary, minimally invasive EndoTech® procedure to improve the endoscopic carpal tunnel syndrome release. In contrast to traditional endoscopic CTS surgery, EndoTech® is performed using a single small incision, thereby minimizing trauma to the hand. The doctor then inserts a tiny camera that can visualize the median nerve as well as the surrounding tendons and blood vessels. Such clear and accurate visualization minimizes risks as pressure on the nerve is released, leading to zero serious complications in the more than 4,000 surgeries that have been performed at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute to date.

This patent-pending, proprietary, high-tech procedure is only available from the wrist and hand specialists at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute and at our newly opened Hand & Wrist Urgent Care center, which are both near Phoenix in Scottsdale, Arizona.

EndoTech® is far less painful and traumatic than traditional CTS surgery. The dressings are removed after a few days and most patients can return to work within six days. In contrast, typical endoscopic CTS surgery has a recovery time of 20 days and traditional open surgery may need as much as a 38-day recovery period!

Owing to the improved visibility of EndoTech®, there is also a decreased risk of persistent or recurrent symptoms compared with other techniques. When combined with our NeuroRejuvenation procedure, which uses the patient’s stem cells collected from abdominal fat, wound healing is even quicker, with less risk of any scar tissue and subsequent recurrence. This decreases the likelihood of requiring any further surgery years later — unlike other techniques, which have a higher risk of recurrence and subsequent surgery.

It Starts With an Expert Diagnosis in Scottsdale

If you suspect you have CTS or are experiencing pain, tingling, numbness or other uncomfortable sensations in your fingers, thumb, palm, wrist, arm or elbow, contact Dr. Fitzmaurice and his team at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute today to schedule a video consultation or to make an appointment at our office in Scottsdale near Phoenix. You can be diagnosed and even treated in the same facility on the same day, if needed.

From revolutionary high-tech surgeries to nutritional support that helps regrow nerves, Dr. Fitzmaurice and his team are dedicated to bringing your hands and wrists back to working order.

Net, read Can Texting Lead to Hand Tendinitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The post Debunking Myths About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

Can Texting Lead to Hand Tendinitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

It sounds like something a frustrated parent would say to a teen: “Stop texting or you’ll break your thumbs!”

But there could be a kernel of truth in that admonition.

A new study from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, published in the June 2017 issue of the journal Muscle & Nerve, suggests that overuse (more than five hours per day) of electronic devices, such as Smart Phones, could “adversely affect the median nerve within the carpal tunnel,” leading to numbness, tingling, and hand/wrist pain.

This small study examined the relationship between texting habits and hand pain in just 48 students aged 18 to 25, so it’s too soon to conclude that texting has adverse effects on the fingers, hands, and wrists. However, the authors’ conclusions are bolstered by previous research into repetitive motions and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A meta-analysis of six studies, published in 2015 in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences, suggests that certain types of movements used in operating a computer and mouse may irritate the median nerve in select populations, increasing their chances of developing symptoms of CTS, such as tendonitis, hand tingling, and numbness.

Before banning texts to save your teen’s thumbs, it’s important to note that the association is still tentative and that there are other factors that predispose certain individuals to develop hand, wrist, and finger pain and/or CTS as a result of excessive texting.

What Exactly Causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The research on texting and CTS may trigger a kind of déja vu, as you recall the rash of CTS cases that arose with the advent of computer use in the workplace during the 1980s. However, decades of research has shown that the development of CTS probably depends on many factors besides computer use — including prior injuries, medical conditions, and individual variations in wrist anatomy — that may be exacerbated by repetitive hand and wrist motions.

In fact, most of the cases of CTS that are caused by repetitive movements are associated with higher impact and/or more complex activities, such as:

• Using tools
• Grasping and pulling
• Scrubbing
• Playing instruments
• Knitting

Why Is Carpal Tunnel Health Important?

The carpal tunnel is a hollow tube that connects the wrist to the hand and protects the tendons as well as the median nerve. The median nerve stretches from the forearm to the palm and is responsible for sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb side of the ring finger. The carpal tunnel is protected by the carpal bones on the back and sides of the hand and by the transverse carpal ligament on the palm side of the hand.

In CTS, the median nerve is compromised by inflammation of the tendons or swelling within the carpal tunnel itself. When the median nerve is compressed, it cannot function optimally. Swelling in the carpal tunnel can also impede the flow of blood to the fingers and hand. Without treatment, CTS can result in permanent nerve damage.

With so many tendons and the all-important median nerve encased in the carpal tunnel, it’s easy to see why protecting its health is so important. It may take many years or even decades for damage to manifest in actual symptoms. Habits that are developed now can either support or damage carpal tunnel health over the long term.

Tendinitis: The First Sign of CTS?

While CTS is a disorder that is usually associated with people in midlife, there is at least one case study of a 14-year-old girl who developed tendinitis after texting four hours or more per day for more than two years. After presenting to her physician with thumb tenderness, pain, and swelling, she was diagnosed with tendinitis and treated with a splint and aspirin, plus urged to curtail and change her texting habits. Her symptoms resolved within two weeks.

If you or your kids are noticing any swelling in your fingers or thumbs, and/or feel pain or discomfort in your thumbs, wrists, elbows or fingers when you text, you may have developed tendinitis — an inflammation of the tendons that could eventually impinge the median nerve and lead to CTS. Symptoms such as tenderness, pain, and numbness in the thumbs, wrist, and/or fingers should be evaluated by a hand and wrist orthopedist as soon as possible. Learn more about tendinitis at WebMD.com.

Staying Symptom-Free

If you and your family don’t yet have signs or symptoms of tendinitis or CTS, you might still want to consider modifying your texting habits to preserve the health of your fingers, thumbs, hands, and wrists:

• Use other fingers while texting
• Vary the way you hold your device
• Use the voice-control feature to write texts

Call, Don’t Text

If you suspect you may have wrist, hand, thumb or finger tendinitis and/or CTS, the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute can diagnose and treat you in the same center on the same day. Find us at 8841 E. Bell Rd. St #201 Scottsdale, AZ 85260, call our office or contact us via email form. We’re open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. For immediate same-day treatment, our Hand & Wrist Urgent Care center offers quick diagnosis and treatment for emergency finger, wrist, and arm injuries.

The post Can Texting Lead to Hand Tendinitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

Common Causes of Hand Pain

Most of the time, we take our hands for granted. They perform tasks for us from the moment we awaken ’til we’re ready for bed and we rarely even notice them. Until they hurt.

Maybe it’s a shooting pain in your wrist. Or your thumb or index finger have locked up. Or you perform a task you’ve performed all your life, but now it’s painful. Or you can’t fully move your fingers or wrists.

There are 27 bones in the wrist, hands, and fingers, plus numerous tendons, muscles, and ligaments, any of which can become damaged and cause pain.

Being aware of some of the most common causes of hand pain and wrist pain will help you keep your bones, ligaments, and joints in working order. If you do experience an acute or chronic injury to the hand or wrist, Michael J. Fitzmaurice, MD, and his team at the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix, Arizona can help with on-the-spot diagnosis and treatment.

The following situations may be at the root of your hand, finger or wrist pain and may require the services of a hand and wrist surgeon to resolve:

1. Impact and Trauma

Among the more obvious causes of wrist, hand, thumb, and finger pain are impact and trauma. A fall, a blow to the hand, or accidentally cutting or burning the hand can all cause pain. Although the pain may be transitory, the damage to the nerves, tendons, muscles, skin, and even bone could cause problems down the line. Even excessive pressure and vibration, such as the vibrations in equipment or when riding a motorcycle, can cause damage.

Some results of impact and trauma include:

Fractures

Open fractures are easy to identify, as the bone or joint looks misshapen and/or the bone breaks the skin. Hairline fractures can also occur, however, and can compromise the function of the hand and wrist over time. Signs that hand trauma has resulted in a fracture include:

• Swelling or bruising (dark blue, purple and/or yellow or green)
• Deformity
• Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
• Loss of function
• Protruding bone

If you suspect you have suffered a hand fracture, you should receive immediate emergency medical care from a hand specialist such as Dr. Fitzmaurice at our Hand & Wrist Urgent Care center in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Sprains

Even if there are no broken bones, a fall or a blow to the hands or wrists may cause a sprain, which is a tear or injury to the ligaments that connect two bones in a joint. The symptoms of a hand or finger sprain include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited movement
• “Popping” sound in joint at time of injury

Strains

Strains are a stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons (the cords that connect muscles to bones). The symptoms of a wrist or hand strain include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Limited muscle motion

At-home treatment for hand or wrist sprains and strains includes elevation, icing every 20 minutes for the first 24 hours, rest, and compression. If there is no improvement, surgery may be required to repair damaged ligaments, muscles and/or tendons.

2. Repetitive Motions

Repeating the same movements day after day can wear down the joints, compress important nerves, and cause stress on muscles and tendons. Driving, typing, texting, using tools, and playing musical instruments can all injure the wrists, hands, and fingers over time. Some consequences of repetitive movements may include:

• Chronic pain
• Stress fractures
• Weakness
• “Locked” fingers or thumbs (trigger finger/trigger thumb)
• Tennis elbow
• De Quervain’s tendinitis
• Nerve compression

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive movements — particularly ones that exert pressure on the wrist — are the primary culprit in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the fingers is compressed when the tissues surrounding it become inflamed. Symptoms include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Sharp, shooting pains

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with EndoTech® — a single-incision, minimally invasive high-tech surgery developed by Dr. Fitzmaurice that speeds recovery and limits recurrence of the condition. Learn more about CTS at WebMD.com.

4. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Pressure or vibration can irritate, injure or compress the ulnar nerve, which carries signals to the muscles of the forearm and hand. Damage can occur in the palm or the elbow. The symptoms include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling (esp. in little fingers)
• Weakness
• Clumsiness

Cubital tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed and treated in one day with EndoTech®.

4. Cysts, Tumors, and Other Growths

Most lumps and bumps that arise on the wrists, hands, fingers, and thumbs are benign and can be easily removed. Some types of growths include:

Ganglion cyst — a small, benign soft-tissue lump, often found on the wrist, that is caused by leakage of fluid from the joint into surrounding tissues.

Fibroma — benign tumor made of fibrous cells and found on a tendon sheath.

Neuroma — usually painful, benign tumors made of nerve cells that are a consequence of a nerve injury.

Lipoma — fat cells in a thin, fibrous, fast-growing capsule usually located just below the skin.

Giant cell tumor — hard, solid mass affecting tendon sheaths.

A medical professional can diagnose the type of lump, bump or mass you have. They can usually be easily removed the same day in an outpatient surgery.

5. Systemic and/or Inflammatory Conditions

Some hand and wrist conditions may have a systemic or an inflammatory disorder at their root. Conditions that may result in hand, finger, thumb or wrist pain include:

• Gout
• Arthritis (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
• Diabetes mellitus

Symptoms or signs that your hand pain has a systemic or inflammatory cause may include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Red or purplish skin around affected joint
• Limited movement
• Peeling skin around affected joint
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Hands feeling bloated or “dead”
• Swollen joints
• Creaky joints
• Dupuytren’s Contracture (nodules or cords that develop on connective tissue, making it impossible to extend the fingers)
• De Quervain’s tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons in the first dorsal compartment near the thumb)
  Trigger finger and/or thumb

Get Answers and Solutions in One Stop, One Day

If you are experiencing thumb, finger, hand, wrist, arm or elbow pain, you deserve an answer and a remedy. The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute can handle everything from diagnosis to treatment in one location in Scottsdale near Phoenix. We’re open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Schedule an appointment today.

If you have an emergency, visit Hand & Wrist Urgent Care in the same building, 8841 E. Bell Rd. Ste. #102 Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We will evaluate you within 10 minutes of your arrival. Walk-ins are welcome.

The post Common Causes of Hand Pain appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

Which Jobs and Activities Increase Your Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome. Everyone’s heard of it and – if you use your hands in repetitive tasks — you may be afraid of developing it yourself.

But what, exactly, is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)? Who’s at risk for it? Are there certain professions that are more prone to CTS? What can you do to prevent it? And why is it so important to see a Phoenix hand and wrist doctor to get treatment or surgery as soon as possible?

Inside the Carpal Tunnel

The carpal tunnel refers to the passageway that connects the wrist to the hand. It is filled with tendons that bend the fingers as well as the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the palm and conveys sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the thumb side of the ring finger. The carpal tunnel is surrounded by the carpal bones on the back and sides of the hand and by the transversal carpal ligament on the palm side of the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is squeezed or impinged upon – usually by inflamed tendons or swelling within the carpal tunnel. The pressure compresses the median nerve, decreasing its function and limiting the flow of blood to the fingers and hand. If left untreated, the compression of the median nerve and lack of blood flow in CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage.

What Damages the Carpal Tunnel?

Any job or activity that demands repetitive movements of the fingers and wrist, awkward hand movements, vibration, and/or mechanical stress on the palm increases the risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The occupations associated with CTS tend to emphasize strong tugging, pulling, pushing, or twisting movements. Ironically, claims that repetitive typing on computer keyboards caused CTS first brought the condition to the attention of the general public, but subsequent scientific research has not validated a causal relationship in this case.

CTS has also been associated with various diseases and conditions that cause inflammation of the tendons and/or median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

Could My Job Give Me Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The following is a list of some of the occupations and movements associated with CTS:

Farmworkers, Fishermen, Butchers and Poultry Processors

• Milking cows
• De-boning animals or poultry
• Wearing poorly-fitting gloves that apply external pressure
• Pressing tools into hand
• Boxing meat, poultry, or fish

Factory and Assembly Workers

• Grasping or handling objects on conveyor belts
• Assembling small objects
• Using air-powered hand tools

Gardeners, Painters

• Hand weeding
• Using spray guns
• Pressing tools into hand

Mechanics

• Using spray guns
• Wearing poorly-fit gloves
• Using air-powered hand tools

Musicians

• Using a bow to play stringed instruments such as a violin, viola or cello

Cashiers, Receipt Processors

• Using laser scanner at checkout
• Pounding safety lever or stamping machine

Homemakers, Tailors, Garment Workers

• Knitting
• Grasping and tugging fabric

Janitors

• Scrubbing

Locksmiths, Electronics Workers

• Assembling small items
• Turning keys

The following diseases and conditions can cause inflammation of the tendons and nerves in the carpal tunnel and possibly lead to CTS:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Amyloidosis
• Hypothyroidism
• Tumors of tendon sheaths
• Wrist fractures and dislocations
• Wrist cysts
• Pregnancy
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Fluid retention
• Menopause

How Do I Know If I Have CTS?

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, shooting pains, cramps, swelling and weakness of the hand, fingers, and/or wrist. These may begin gradually and manifest first as a tingling, burning, numbness or itching sensation in the palm of the hand and fingers (particularly the thumb, index, and middle fingers, which are fed by the median nerve).

The first signs of CTS might also include needing to shake out your hand after sleep or inactivity. You might also find it more difficult to perform manual tasks. Some people can’t tell the difference between hot and cold when they touch an object. In more advanced cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb can even atrophy!

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.

How Do You Treat CTS Symptoms?

In addition to treating underlying conditions and halting or modifying the types of movements that cause CTS, there are a number of treatments for the condition. Some of these include:

• Splinting the hand and wrist
• Resting the hand
• NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids

Alternative therapies, such as yoga, acupuncture and chiropractic care

• Open-release surgery
• Endoscopic surgery

EndoTech® Surgery for CTS: Revolutionary, Safe, and Fast

At The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute, we perform a variation of endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery that we developed called  EndoTech®. This revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure uses very small incisions and utilizes patent-pending technology that allows Dr. Fitzmaurice to visualize the median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels and to operate with minuscule, precisely engineered tools. We can therefore release pressure on the median nerve without injuring surrounding tissues, leading to a better outcome, shorter recovery time, and virtually no recurrence.

We can also diagnose CTS on site with our own ultrasound and X-ray machines, which means that you can have your consultation and your treatment on the same day, if necessary. The EndoTech® system is only available to the hand and wrist surgeons at The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute and at our newly opened Hand & Wrist Urgent Care center, both near Phoenix in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Recovering From CTS

The recovery time from EndoTech® surgery is much faster than traditional open or endoscopic surgeries. Most EndoTech® patients can remove their dressings after two days and return to work within a week.

To aid recovery and allow the nerves to regenerate, our center has also developed NeuroGen® – a nutritional supplement that specifically nourishes nerve cells. NeuroGen® stimulates the growth of nerves and enhances their productivity. We also offer cutting-edge therapy with stem cells to regrow nerves.

How Can I Prevent CTS?

If you’re in a profession that has a high predisposition of CTS, or if you use your hands or wrists in repetitive movements that may put pressure on the median nerve, you can stretch your fingers, hands and wrists, take frequent rest breaks, and improve your posture and work position to help prevent the occurrence of CTS. Employers can help prevent CTS by re-designing work stations and tools. Wearing fingerless gloves may also keep hands and wrists warm, safe, and flexible. Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome at WebMD.com.

The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute Can Lend a Hand

If you suspect you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, the Fitzmaurice Hand Institute near Phoenix in Scottsdale can handle everything from diagnosis to treatment in the same center. We can even perform surgery on the same day as your consultation, if necessary. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our hand and wrist specialists!

The post Which Jobs and Activities Increase Your Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.

How Well Can Regenerative Medicine Heal Damaged Joints and Nerves?

Most people have heard of stem cells in some capacity. Although the medical community and researchers have been working to develop the practical applications for stem cells for decades, the health benefits of regenerative medicine have only become a reality in recent years.

But what exactly are stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine? And how can they help in treating joint damage and deterioration from traumatic injuries like arthritis or common nerve injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome? If you follow any professional sports team or superstar athlete, chances are you’ve heard of some form of regenerative medicine used to save an athlete’s career from a degenerative joint or connective tissue injury that has stopped responding to conservative treatments and surgery. The powerful regenerative abilities of stem cells have opened the door to remarkable advancements in wound recovery.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine therapy operates on the principles of using the body’s natural healing and disease-fighting capabilities to treat injuries that have been slow to respond to or do not show significant improvement from traditional therapies like conservative treatment (rest, physical therapy, medication) or surgery. Injuries and damage to the joints that result in cartilage deterioration, which does not grow back on its own, are a prime example of the potential benefits of regenerative medicine.

Stem cells, which can differentiate (transform) into a more specific type of cell, like cartilage or connective tissues such as muscle, ligaments, and tendons, for example, could potentially be used to help replace lost cartilage or to supercharge the body’s ability to heal a traumatic injury.

The main goals of regenerative medicine are:

•    Rejuvenation
•    Replacement
•    Regeneration

So far, stem cell therapy has shown promise in the field of orthopedics and as a potential solution for chronic pain from debilitating joint deterioration and injuries. More advanced possibilities for the potential of regenerative medicine are still currently under development.

Stem Cells and the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal

The human body contains what is known as growth factors, which help the body heal from an injury. Regenerative medicine treatments replicate the body’s natural healing mechanisms to find new and more effective ways to treat common health issues.

Different Types of Stem Cells

There are two main categories of stem cells: embryonic and somatic (adult). Stem cells can also be engineered in the lab to exhibit embryonic stem cell properties. This type of cell is known as an induced pluripotent stem cell. Adult stem cells can be found throughout the body, from the bone marrow (known as mesenchymal stem cells) to fat tissue (known as adipose stem cells), and from amniotic fluid.

Because stem cells are undifferentiated, meaning they can transform into many different types of cells, such as skin and cartilage, they have great potential as a minimally invasive and low-risk treatment option for conditions that have been difficult to successfully treat in the past, such as nerve damage and cartilage deterioration.

Other Types of Regenerative Medicine Treatments

In addition to stem cells, there are a few regenerative therapies currently in use that harness the body’s healing capabilities and essentially turbocharge them to yield the best results. They include:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses a sample of the patient’s own blood to create a treatment enriched with an elevated dose of platelets and growth factors that accelerate the healing and recovery process for damaged tissue. And while it might sound like a complicated procedure, one of the benefits of regenerative treatments like PRP is that they are minimally invasive. After the blood is drawn, it is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. Once it is ready, the PRP treatment is administered back into the injury site through an injection.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the synovial fluid that surrounds the joints and aids in lubrication. HA treatments are designed to mimic naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid to restore health and function and to diminish pain in the joints.

Nerve and Hand Injury Treatment at The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute

The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute in Phoenix has a wide range of minimally invasive treatment options if you are suffering from a hand or wrist injuring, such as:

•    Carpal tunnel syndrome
•    Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
•    Joint deterioration/degeneration
•    Trigger thumb/finger
•    Lipomas (lumps/masses/benign tumors)
•    Arthritis
•    Musician hand injuries
•    Cubital tunnel syndrome
•    De Quervain’s disease
•    Dupuytren’s contracture
• Urgent hand injuries

If you have sought treatment for an injury or condition before with limited results, contact Dr. Fitzmaurice to learn if stem cell therapy may be a good option for you.

Learn more about regenerative medical treatments at Wikipedia.org.

Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Therapy in Phoenix

For more information on the benefits of regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy for the minimally invasive treatment of nerve and joint damage in the hands and wrists, contact The Fitzmaurice Hand Institute by calling (480) 351-6483 to request an appointment with double board-certified hand surgeon Dr. Michael Fitzmaurice today.

The post How Well Can Regenerative Medicine Heal Damaged Joints and Nerves? appeared first on Hand Specialist In Phoenix AZ | Fitzmaurice Hand Institute.